NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston is gearing up to investigate an intriguing cargo from the asteroid Bennu in a breakthrough mission that will reveal the mysteries of our solar system's creation and the building blocks of life.
Phys.org tells us in a report that the sample acquired by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is expected to reveal crucial insights about the origins of our planet and the solar system as a whole when it returns to Earth in late September.
Obtaining Bennu Samples: Journey from the Depths of Space
Bennu, a mysterious asteroid circling the Sun at an average distance of roughly 105 million miles (168 million kilometers) first identified in 1999, has long piqued scientists' interest.
The ambitious OSIRIS-REx mission, launched in 2016, aimed to unravel the secrets locked within this ancient celestial body.
The endeavor to obtain the Bennu sample was not without risks and challenges. In October 2020, OSIRIS-REx performed a high-stakes operation, gently contacting the asteroid's surface for a few seconds.
A blast of compressed nitrogen was emitted, successfully raising dust and rocks, which were then carefully captured in the collection compartment.
However, the mission was momentarily jeopardized when NASA discovered the collection compartment's valve was not closing, causing fragments to escape into space.
The mission's team managed to secure the precious cargo, well over the 60-gram mission requirement, by transferring it to a capsule fixed in the spacecraft's center.
"This mission is well positioned to return a historic and substantial sample of an asteroid to Earth, and they've been doing all the right things, on an expedited timetable, to protect that precious cargo," NASA's Associate Administrator for Science Thomas Zurbuchen said at the time.
Unveiling Life's Building Blocks
Once safely returned to Earth, the sample will be entrusted to lead OSIRIS-REx sample curator Nicole Lunning and a team of dedicated scientists.
The goal is to meticulously analyze and study the rock and dust fragments, separating them for immediate investigation and preserving the rest for future generations equipped with even more advanced technology.
The focus is not on finding living organisms but rather on understanding the fundamental elements that may have fostered life in our solar system and ultimately led to life's emergence on Earth.
The Promise of Pristine Samples
Cosmochemist Eve Berger, brimming with anticipation, explains that the Bennu samples are unparalleled in their pristine condition.
Having been sheltered from Earth's atmosphere and harsh environmental influences for billions of years, these fragments have the potential to unlock a treasure trove of knowledge about the early solar system's composition.
The implications of the Bennu sample analysis extend beyond Earth's history. Understanding the formation and evolution of our planet aids in interpreting data collected from other celestial bodies.
As scientists delve into the sample's chemical makeup and structure, they hope to gain insights into the larger celestial puzzle, paving the way for future space exploration missions.
Awaiting Bennu's Arrival
The anticipation mounts as the spacecraft hurtles towards Earth, carrying an estimated 8.8 ounces (250 grams) of asteroid material-just over a cupful. On September 24, the return vessel is scheduled to land in the Utah desert, marking a pivotal moment in space exploration.
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